Navigating the EU BPA ban: Essential insights on plastic use in Industrial food contact applications

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• Team member
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  Derek Boettcher Associate Video Editor and Webinar Specialist @ UL Solutions

  I have a decades worth of experience shooting and editing the video medium with a plethora of experience in corporate marketing/video, as well as extensive knowledge on creating fiction and nonfiction storytelling using video.

• Guest speaker
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  Sophie Ruddick Market Development Manager @ Eastman

  Sophie is a Market Development Manager at Eastman, specializing in introducing innovative copolyesters in industrial equipment and healthcare packaging. She joined Eastman in 2011 as part of the technology team, providing product development and technical support to customers. In 2022, driven by her passion for uncovering new opportunities within healthcare, Sophie transitioned to market development, focusing on expanding the reach of Eastman’s copolyesters—especially through the innovative Renew portfolio. Sophie holds a BSc in Chemistry from Heriot-Watt University and a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing, blending her technical expertise with strong marketing acumen to drive growth and innovation in the healthcare sector.

• Guest speaker
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  Wim de Oude Regulatory Affairs Senior @ Eastman

  Wim is a Regulatory Affairs Senior at Eastman, focusing on global food contact compliance across the Eastman portfolio. He joined Eastman in 2022 as EMEA Product Steward for the Advanced Material portfolio, before transitioning to food contact compliance in 2024. He has 20 years of experience in the chemical industry, with particular interest in Product Stewardship, food contact compliance and contact with drinking water certification. Wim holds a MSc in Chemistry from Utrecht University, the Netherlands.

• Guest speaker
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  Gary Hawkins Application development Associate @ Eastman

  Gary Hawkins is a seasoned Applications Development Associate at Eastman, bringing over 30 years of industry expertise. He holds a degree in chemical engineering with a business minor from the University of Tennessee. Since joining Eastman in 1998, Gary has made significant contributions across a wide range of sectors, including Automotive, Electronics, Medical, Building & Construction, Industrial/General Purpose, Molding, Extrusion, Thermoforming, Packaging, and Food Contact Applications. His work spans both the Longview, TX, and Kingsport, TN locations, where he supports global industries and clients with innovative solutions. In addition to his technical and application development skills, Gary is an accomplished inventor, credited with multiple patents that underscore his dedication to innovation and technical excellence.